The number of dengue fever cases and deaths are up dramatically in Malaysia according to new numbers released by the health ministry.
The National News Agency of Malaysia reported today that the southeast Asian country has recorded 29,788 dengue cases from Jan. 1 to Apr. 26 this year. This is an increase of 277% compared to 7,912 cases recorded during the same period in 2013. For more infectious disease news and information, visit and “like” the Infectious Disease News Facebook page.
The number of dengue fatalities are also up by more than 300% compared to last year–66 deaths so far this year, compared to 15 during the same period last year. What is dengue fever?
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said despite the high numbers so far, “on the whole, dengue cases nationwide show a declining trend,” noting a decrease in cases during recent weeks.
However, Subramaniam warns, “Although there is a downward trend in the number of cases at the moment, people are advised not to be complacent and to take care of their living environment ensuring it is not a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.”
